Toyota Recalls 3.37 Million Vehicles For Air Bag And Emissions Defects

Toyota Motor Corp. has recalled 3.37 million vehicles globally over possibly faulty air bag inflator components and emissions control units, both of which are prone to cracking, according to statements released by the automaker. Toyota called back 1.43 million Prius and Lexus-model vehicles equipped with air bag inflators composed of two chambers welded together, which could develop a crack in between, the company said — noting too that the component was not made by Takata Corp., which itself has been linked to the largest air bag inflator recall in U.S. history.

The company didn’t offer a breakdown of numbers for the emissions unit callback, but noted that no vehicles in North America would be affected, as they are made with different fuel emissions components. The automaker said it had no reports of any crashes or injuries. In its announcement of the air bag recall on Tuesday, Toyota Motor Sales USA wrote that cracks in the welded inflator chambers has been observed when the vehicle is parked and unoccupied for a period of time. “If an inflator separates, the [curtain shield air bags] could partially inflate, and, in limited circumstances, one or both sections of the inflator could enter the interior of the vehicle. If an occupant is present in the vehicle, there is an increased risk of injury,” the automaker said.